Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Answering Laine

Laine commented:

Love the outfit, it looks so summery and comfy!
I noticed your note about a zipper tutorial, and thought I'd share this one that I bookmarked from here: http://flickr.com/photos/greenkitchen/collections/.
I'm a little scared of zippers as well, and this made it look pretty easy. Any tips you have to add would be awesome!
BTW, did you find the Built by Wendy top fit true to the measurements listed? I'm between sizes and am wondering if I should go up or down. Up seems safer, but its already a loose top, I don't want it to be a big sack on me....


First of all, thanks so much for the sweet words! The positive comments I get make all the seam ripping worth it in the end!

Second, thank you thank you thank you for posting the link to that tutorial! I don't even need to do my own tutorial now, because I do it almost exactly the same way. She included all the little things about getting around the zipper pull, basting the seam first, using two pins to mark where the zipper ends, etc. that I would have put in mine. The only thing I do differently is use two little strips of iron-on adhesive in place of the glue stick. I love that bird fabric she used, though, so your suggestion may end up costing me! [p.s. There's an extended version of the tutorial at Sew, Mama, Sew.]


Now as for the Built By Wendy pattern...it is hard to say. I went with my true size (going by the bust measurement, I'm about three inches over the waist measurement), and mine doesn't fit like that at all. However, I should point out that I cut the back on a fold without adjusting for the seam allowance, so that could be what makes the difference. The only place my first try had issues was with the sleeves, which seemed a tiny bit too tight. Instead of going up a size, I just cut them a little wider and made the underarm seam a little narrower. However, I see pictures of people wearing that shirt and it looks very ill fitting around the chest and shoulders, as in it's pulling and just looks frightfully uncomfortable. So, honestly? I'd probably go up a size. If anyone disagrees, please weigh in!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, this was more response than I was hoping for! Thanks so much!

Thats a really good point about the too tight tops--I know exactly what you mean, and its definitely not the look I'm going for! I was only looking at the bust measurement, as I think its the only one that really matters here, and I think you're right that I should go up in size. I'm planning to do the one piece back and may try to add in some small darts.

I'm really looking forward to making this shirt--it's going to be my reward to myself for finishing my dissertation proposal in two weeks. And if the shirt goes well, my next project will be a skirt using my newfound zipper knowledge. Any suggestions for a good, simple A-line skirt pattern?

Darling Petunia said...

Well, Laine, I had a lot to say about your comment!

I think you're doing the right thing, trying the next size up. You can always cut the smaller size next time, or buy a whole new pattern when Jo-Ann's has them for a dollar.

My favorite A-line skirt pattern is New Look 6843. No question.